Female Urology & Urogynaecology

What is female urology?

The subspecialty of female urology is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of those urinary tract disorders most prevalent in females. These
include urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse, voiding dysfunction, recurrent urinary tract infection, urethral syndrome and interstitial
cystitis. Expert evaluation of these conditions includes a complete history and physical exam. Urodynamics (bladder function test) and imaging
studies may be required to fully evaluate the urinary tracts. Additional bladder studies such as cystoscopy may be necessary.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine. It is further defined by type as either stress (leakage with straining, coughing, sneezing), urge,
mixed, overflow, functional or reflex incontinence. Treatment is dependent on the type of incontinence. Current therapies include dietary changes,
scheduled voiding, bladder retraining, pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation therapy, medication, collagen implants and
minimally invasive surgery.

What is voiding dysfunction?

Voiding dysfunction can take many forms. The main symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency, painful urination and/or incomplete bladder emptying.
Treatment is aimed at decreasing or eliminating symptoms. Treatment may involve medications or pelvic floor relaxation exercises.

What is a recurrent urinary tract infection?

A recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) may be generally defined as three or more infections within one year. This may be idiopathic (no obvious
cause or related to a urologic disorder such as stones, tumor, reflux (urine flows backwards toward the kidney) or ineffective bladder emptying.
Treatment is aimed at identifying the cause and/or proper antibiotic therapy to break the cycle of recurrent infection.

What is urethral syndrome?

Urethral syndrome is a condition involving pain at the urethra that can occur during urination or without regard to urination. Treatment may consist
of oral medication or local estrogen replacement therapy. Urethral syndrome may exist as a component of interstitial cystitis.

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a urologic syndrome characterized by excessive urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia (nighttime urination) and pain in
the lower abdomen and/or perineum. It can occur at any age, however, the median age at diagnosis is between 42 and 46 years. The cause of IC is
unclear. It is believed to be related to irregularities in the bladder lining and/or an allergic/immune response. IC can severely affect an
individual's quality of life. Promising developments in the treatment of IC include medications, such as Elmiron, which works to restore the
normal function of the bladder lining. Other drugs with calming effects on the bladder may also be helpful. Bladder instillations with dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) have achieved variable success. Hydrodistention of the bladder under anesthesia is a common therapeutic and diagnostic
procedure. In the most severe cases, surgery including denervation, urinary diversion and augmentation cytoplasty may be performed. All of
these evaluation and treatment options are available at South Delhi Urology Clinic.